These days, you can’t go far without reading about automation and robotics. And whether you’re involved in manufacturing, transportation, construction, agriculture or any other business that purchases or uses heavy equipment, you’re likely embracing these new technologies and developments – and facing the challenge of paying for them.

The global industrial automation market is expected to reach $570.4 billion (USD) by 2035, a result of an astounding annual growth rate of 10.3%, Effective automation technology is available for almost any size or type of operation, can be implemented for specific tasks in as little as 15 minutes, and can generate a return on investment within months.

Despite the long-term benefits, investing in automation can be substantial. Costs can include everything from purchases of heavy equipment and collaborative robots to forklift leases to acquisition of automation technology for material handling, which may include conveyors, automated guided vehicles, robotics and sortation systems.

The good news is that the financing industry is keeping pace. Equipment finance in Canada is advanced, flexible and customizable for the needs of businesses in every province and territory.

• Customized loan options. Flexible amounts and repayment terms can be tailored to a business's specific needs. Lenders may offer up to 100% financing on new equipment along with seasonal payment options.
• Operating leases. Renting the equipment your business needs to sustain or expand operations can provide value without high upfront costs. At the end of the term, you can continue to lease, decide to purchase the equipment or upgrade models. The ability to upgrade makes leasing an ideal solution for companies that need to stay up to date for technology advances, whether in material handling robotics or heavy equipment in transportation, manufacturing, construction or other industries.
• Inventory financing. Inventory loans and lines of credit are secured against the value of an organization’s inventory. This type of financing can help OEMs, distributors and dealers who produce and sell high-value products and equipment purchase additional equipment.
  • Construction equipment
  • Trucks and trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Agriculture equipment
  • Material handling assets
  • Industrial equipment
  • Specialty vehicles
  • Recreational vehicles
• Equipment refinancing. Lower interest rates, longer repayment terms or debt consolidation can help regulate cash flow and free up capital for other business investments. Companies can replace or consolidate existing loans and leases to increase working capital and secure the equipment and technology they need to grow. Equipment refinancing can be helpful for businesses that have equipment loans and leases for:
  • Trucks and trailers
  • Forklifts and cranes
  • Imaging and diagnostic machines
  • Excavators and dump trucks
  • CNC machines and robots
  • Heavy equipment
• As-a-service programs. As-a-service financing provides a way to purchase products and services without a large upfront investment. A supplier provides a service (or product with associated service) on a non-ownership basis, typically a subscription payment plan. This allows you to access equipment and technologies on a regular basis without making a large investment. You’re able to stay up to date with the latest advances, increase flexibility and improve ability to respond to changing market demands.

Customized financing programs

The equipment finance industry has developed expertise in automation to help companies throughout Canada implement effective automation integration. From robotics leasing and automation loans to refinancing and as-a-service programs, the key is in customization. Lenders that employ a collaborative consultative approach will take time to learn a company’s business model and then work to develop tailored programs to meet the organization's goals.

Companies incorporating robotics and other automation into their equipment purchases and systems – such as material handling – will benefit tremendously from experienced lender teams that know equipment, electronics and automation as well as they know finance. As Industry 4.0 moves to the mainstream, the combination of industry knowledge, finance acumen and commitment to understand customers’ businesses results in innovative solutions that work.

Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada is a non-captive, non-bank commercial finance company that provides customized solutions to help organizations of all sizes accelerate growth. Our experts throughout Canada are serious about working with businesses to develop financing programs that work for their automation needs. To learn more about financing automation-driven heavy equipment, contact us.